Episode 95

Shop Foreman Frustrations with Bryan Pollack, Sean Tipping, and Matthew Skundrich [E095]

Matt Fanslow, Bryan Pollack, Sean Tipping, and Matt Skundrich discuss their experiences as shop foremen. They also discuss the challenges of diagnosing and repairing vehicles remotely, the importance of technician training and staying updated with technology, the expectations, and responsibilities of a shop foreman, balancing efficiency and thoroughness in diagnosing and repairing vehicles, and pay structures and incentives for technicians.

Show Notes

  • The challenges of remote diagnostics (00:00:48) 
  • Using TeamViewer for scan tool issues (00:02:33) 
  • The importance of starting over in diagnostics (00:04:17) 
  • The challenges of remote assistance (00:06:51)
  • Overwhelming workload (00:07:41) 
  • Expectations and challenges of the shop foreman role (00:12:27)
  • "Handling every single thing creates dependency" (00:14:45) 
  • "Challenges with accessing service information" (00:17:18) 
  • The challenges of managing a growing shop (00:21:13) 
  • The need for specialized personnel in the profession (00:22:26) 
  • The use of database diagnostic tools (00:24:28) 
  • Remote diagnostics and troubleshooting (00:29:21) 
  • The importance of leadership training (00:34:37) 
  • The difference between mistakes and negligence (00:35:26) 
  • The benefits of using plasma cutters (00:37:23) 
  • Tool inventory control (00:43:57)
  • Payment structure for shop foremen (00:49:20) Debate about the most suitable payment structure for shop foremen, including flat salary, commission on parts sold, and profit sharing.
  • Flat rate payment system for technicians (00:51:05) 
  • The importance of teaching and learning (00:54:23) 
  • Individualized motivation and incentives (00:57:36) 
  • Improving Efficiency and Productivity (01:00:43) 
  • Rewarding Technicians for Performance (01:01:43) 
  • The importance of empathy in the shop foreman role (01:06:55) 
  • The value of treating employees better than tools and equipment (01:08:26) 
  • Challenges faced by technicians and the lack of support (01:10:43) 
  • The frustration of technicians (01:13:29)
  • The value of expertise and honesty (01:15:11) 
  • Using aftermarket tools in collision repair (01:25:43) 
  • Remote diagnostics and calibration measurements (01:26:17)
  • Calibration Measurements (01:27:20) 

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA AUTOTECH napaautotech.com

Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HERE


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Matt Fanslow

Matt Fanslow is the diagnostic tech/shop manager at Riverside Automotive in Red Wing, MN. His primary responsibilities are to diagnose driveability and electrical/electronic issues, and perform most all programming, coding, initializing, adoptions, etc. Basically, if it needs to be figured out or has wires, it goes to Matt.

He’s been a tech since 1996. Matt is also a subject matter expert for ASE and has instructed at Vision Hi-Tech Training and Expo. Matt has participated on 18 ASE technical committees for the ASE Practice Test, A6, A7, A8, and L1 tests. He’s also done case studies for Standard Motor Products. Fanslow’s goal is to do everything in his power to improve the overall level of professionalism within the automotive and light truck repair trade and also raise the level of its public image.